As the Founder of Saffron Trust Women’s Foundation, I witnessed a revolutionary approach to addressing seasonal poverty take shape in the heart of Austin this holiday season. Our inaugural Gingerbread Holiday Celebration transformed traditional holiday giving into a comprehensive community support initiative, bringing together some of Austin’s most influential community organizations and leaders.
Seasonal poverty is a real thing, and it affects many families throughout the year. I’ve seen firsthand how households face temporary financial hardships due to seasonal factors like increased utility bills, back-to-school expenses, holiday-related costs, seasonal employment fluctuations, and medical expenses during certain seasons.
The challenge of addressing these needs has been particularly daunting. Too often, our community’s cries for help fall on deaf ears, not because Austin’s needs are too massive but because we need coordinated support and leadership. I’ve learned that there is no single organization that can address all these needs alone; it takes a network of grassroots nonprofits working together with supportive city leadership to make real change happen.
A breakthrough occurred with the dedication of Adrienne Sturrup, Austin Public Health (APH) Director. When I brought this important issue to her, her response was immediate and enthusiastic. She said, “I love it; let me see what I can do.” Saturday’s progress is because of her dedication and commitment. She truly loves the families in Austin and works tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen.
When we first conceived this idea at Saffron Trust, we knew we needed to do more than just provide temporary holiday cheer. We wanted to create something that would have a lasting impact on families struggling with seasonal poverty. Through our work, I’ve seen how the term “seasonal poverty,” though not widely recognized, resonates deeply with community leaders who witness its effects firsthand. During the holiday season, families already struggling with financial hardship face increased pressure from social expectations, marketing campaigns, and additional expenses that can push them further into economic distress.
We designed our celebration’s approach to be multifaceted, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Every parent who attended received direct financial support, but we didn’t stop there. Through a groundbreaking partnership with the City of Austin, facilitated by Adrienne Sturrup, and Sylnovia Holt Rabb, Director of Economic Development, who provided each family with a free computer, opening doors to educational, economic, and social opportunities that extend far beyond the holiday season.
I’m incredibly grateful for the support we received from our coalition of community organizations. Joyce James Consulting, The African American Leadership Institution, souliciti, Kaneeka Moore, and Richard Bondi (Director of Community Advocacy with Meals on Wheels), and The Austin Area Urban League all contributed volunteers and resources. The celebration was further enriched by three vital programs supporting Black mothers: the Maternal Infant Outreach Program led by CEO Cynthia Washington, A New Entry led by CEO Soleece Watson, and their participating mothers. The RISE Center for Liberation in Early Childhood Education provided essential childcare support, allowing mothers to take breaks and fully engage in the celebration activities.
Digital Inclusion Advisor and Founder of Shining Light Consulting, Nehemiah Pitts III, and Grisell Garcia, Regional Vice President of Sun Communities, Inc., brought their expertise, dedication, and commitment to ensure our celebration’s success. At the final hour, Black Leaders Collective (BLC) CEO, Shrounda Robinson, blessed Saffron with financial support. Everything fell right into place.
We centered the celebration around a gingerbread house-making competition, which served as both a fun activity and a subtle way to build community bonds. We provided educational globes as gifts for the children, promoting learning while providing holiday joy. The prizes for the best gingerbread creations added an element of friendly competition and achievement.
What touched me most deeply was watching the relationships form during the event. Parents connected with community leaders, children engaged in educational activities, and families found support networks they didn’t know existed. Our celebration became more than just a holiday event; it evolved into a community-building exercise that promised lasting connections.
The success of this first celebration has already sparked discussions about expanding the program for next year. We’re exploring ways to incorporate job training programs, financial literacy workshops, and year-round support services into future events.
I believe the impact of our Gingerbread Holiday Celebration extends beyond our immediate community. We’ve created a model for other cities looking to address seasonal poverty in meaningful ways. By combining immediate assistance with long-term resources, building strong community partnerships, and focusing on dignity and empowerment, we’ve demonstrated how holiday giving can evolve into sustainable community development.
As the holiday season concludes, I measure the true success of our celebration not in the number of gifts distributed or even the financial support provided, but in the lasting connections formed, the doors opened through technology access, and the hope inspired in families who now see a path forward.
This is just the beginning. We’ve shown what’s possible when communities come together with purpose and vision. Next year, we’ll build on this foundation to create even more impact. Thank you to Austin Public Library for your wonderful support and facility in making this happen!
Our Gingerbread Holiday Celebration may have started as a response to seasonal poverty, but it has grown into something much more significant—a blueprint for community-driven change that promises to transform lives long after the holiday decorations come down.
